Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer used as a thickener and film former. It builds viscosity and slip, refines feel, and creates a soft-focus finish in gels, lotions, and serums.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A thickening polymer that gives gels a silky, soft-focus finish.
Category
Tone/Texture
Type
Thickener

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides a silky, refined texture and smoother skin feel. Forms a light film that helps products apply evenly and resist immediate smudging.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in serums, primers, and gel-cream moisturizers for a polished texture; also found in hair styling gels for sleek hold.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Usually low irritation in leave-on and rinse-off use. Regulations limit residual acrylamide monomer in polyacrylamide, and reputable suppliers meet these controls.

Is Polyacrylamide a Good Ingredient?

It's a reliable thickener and film former that improves glide and finish, good enough for a Good rating, though it's less versatile than newer copolymers and can feel filmy at higher levels, which keeps it short of Great.

Products with Polyacrylamide

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